YOU CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!
Volunteer to be a tutor to help M-A's English learners!
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ESL students at M-A create a book about themselves
by Jill Youngblood Reprinted from The Almanac, August 20, 2008 issue Many people think of politics and controversy when they think of immigrants settling into new lives in Northern California, but in one class at Menlo-Atherton High School there is an atmosphere of love and support. Kids in the class - newly arrived to the country and new to the English language - are learning to soar. This room, full of energy, laughter and lots of nagging, too, is J.J. Lee-Gilbert's ESL II class. The students use a combination of learning methods, from textbook, and reading and writing assignments, to state-of-the-art online programs. Add to this the hours they spend each week practicing their newly acquired English skills with their tutors and these young people are making visible results. One of the shining projects they did this year using all they're learned is a book all about themselves called "Self-Portraits." With support from M-A principal Matthew Zito and the M-A PTA, the kids in the class worked for months with their teacher and volunteer tutors to create an amazing book that spotlights each of these students who often don't get recognized in our community. |
We have an ongoing need for volunteer tutors to help with this very valuable program.
Volunteer tutors work regularly with students in ELD (English Language Development) classes. In 2008-09 over 40 dedicated M-A parents and local community members tutored. Most of the students are relatively new to the U.S., and all face huge challenges in tackling high school in a new language and a completely different educational system. Volunteers give them an opportunity to practice English conversation as well as offer individual support for their classwork.
- Prior tutoring experience is not necessary.
- Familiarity with a second language is not required.
- Tutors will focus on reading, writing, vocabulary and conversation.
- Tutors will work with a maximum of 2 students under the direction of the classroom teacher.
- A variety of time slots are available according to the different teachers' schedules.
This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to get involved in a very constructive and rewarding way, working directly with students and teachers. For freshman parents, it's a unique way to get to know M-A.
Visit the Volunteer page for available classroom times.
2009-10 ELD Tutoring Co-Chairs
Marla Stark, Diane Jones, Juan Dewar
Menlo-Atherton High School
555 Middlefield Rd.
Atherton, CA 94027